Matthew 10:1-13 ▼

1 Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority and power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness.

2 Now these are the names of the twelve apostles (special messengers, personally chosen representatives): first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;

3 Philip and Bartholomew (Nathanael); Thomas and Matthew (Levi) the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus (Judas, not Iscariot);

4 Simon the Cananaean (Zealot), and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Him.

5 Jesus sent out these twelve, instructing them: “Do not go among the Gentiles, and do not go into a city of the Samaritans;

6 but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’

8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

9 Do not take gold, or silver, or [even] copper money in your money belt,

10 or a provision bag for your journey, or even two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker deserves his support.

11 Whatever city or village you enter, ask who in it is worthy [who welcomes you and your message], and stay at his house until you leave [that city].

12 As you go into the house, give it your greeting [that is, ‘Peace be to this house’].

13 If [the family living in] the house is worthy [welcoming you and your message], give it your [blessing of] peace [that is, a blessing of well-being and prosperity, the favor of God]. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace.